For many car owners, certain vehicles are not driven year-round. Whether it’s a convertible saved for summer weekends, a vintage classic shown only at exhibitions, or an RV used for cross-country adventures, seasonal vehicles have unique needs when it comes to insurance and storage.
Handling car insurance for seasonal vehicles correctly can save you money while still keeping your vehicle protected during periods of non-use.
Here’s a detailed look at how seasonal vehicle insurance works and the best storage strategies to keep your prized vehicle safe year-round.
What Is a Seasonal Vehicle?
A seasonal vehicle is a car, motorcycle, RV, or other motorized vehicle that is used only during certain times of the year. Examples include:
- Convertibles or sports cars used in summer
- Snowmobiles used in winter
- Classic cars driven only in good weather
- RVs used for seasonal vacations
- Motorcycles stored during cold months
Since these vehicles spend months off the road, owners often look for ways to lower insurance costs without leaving their assets vulnerable.
Do You Need Insurance If the Vehicle Is Stored?
Many owners wonder: If I’m not driving the car, do I still need insurance?
The answer is usually yes, although it depends on your situation. Even while in storage, your vehicle can be:
- Damaged by fire
- Stolen or vandalized
- Harmed by weather events (like floods, hail, or falling branches)
Without some form of insurance coverage, you could suffer a total loss with no financial recovery. Maintaining at least comprehensive coverage is often the smart move during storage.
Additionally, canceling your insurance altogether may lead to:
- A coverage lapse, which can cause higher rates when you restart insurance
- Violation of lender or lease agreements if you financed the vehicle
- Risk of being uncovered in case someone damages the car while it’s stored
Insurance Options for Seasonal Vehicles
Depending on your insurance company and your situation, there are several ways to adjust your policy for seasonal vehicles:
1. Comprehensive-Only Coverage
Comprehensive-only insurance protects against non-driving risks like theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters.
When you’re not driving the car, you can suspend liability, collision, and other coverages but keep comprehensive active. This dramatically lowers premiums while still offering protection.
Tip: Some companies call this “storage coverage” or “car in storage insurance.”
2. Seasonal Insurance Policies
Some insurers offer seasonal policies specifically designed for vehicles used only part of the year.
You insure the vehicle for the months you drive it and pause most coverages during the off-season.
However, this approach varies by state, and some insurers require full-year policies by law, especially in no-fault states.
3. Lay-Up Insurance (for Classic Cars and Motorcycles)
Lay-up insurance is popular among classic car and motorcycle owners.
It provides comprehensive protection while the vehicle is off the road but does not include liability coverage (since the car isn’t legally drivable).
This type of policy is usually offered for vehicles with limited, special-use purposes.
4. Suspend Liability and Collision Coverage
If your insurance company allows it, you might be able to suspend liability and collision coverages while maintaining comprehensive.
You’ll need to officially request this change and confirm when and how the vehicle will be stored.
Important: Never drive the vehicle while coverages are suspended! It’s illegal and risky.
5. Reduced Mileage Discounts
If your car is used only lightly during part of the year, you might qualify for a low-mileage discount rather than changing the policy entirely.
This is less drastic than dropping coverage but can still yield savings.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Storage
Insurance is only one piece of protecting a seasonal vehicle. Proper storage is equally important. Here’s how to prepare:
1. Clean and Detail the Car
Wash and wax the exterior to protect the paint from dust and debris. Clean the interior to avoid attracting pests.
2. Change the Oil and Top Off Fluids
Old oil can become acidic over time and damage the engine. A fresh oil change before storage is wise.
3. Fill the Gas Tank
Fill the tank to prevent moisture buildup, and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gas from degrading over time.
4. Protect the Battery
Batteries can lose charge after weeks or months of inactivity. Either:
- Disconnect the battery
- Use a battery tender/trickle charger to maintain the charge safely
5. Inflate Tires Properly
Flat spots can form if tires sit under-inflated. Inflate tires to the proper pressure or use jack stands to relieve weight on the wheels.
6. Cover the Vehicle
Use a breathable car cover — ideally made for indoor use — to protect against dust, moisture, and minor scratches.
7. Store in a Secure Location
If possible, keep the vehicle:
- In a locked garage
- Off the ground and away from damp floors
- Away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading
Climate-controlled storage is ideal for valuable vehicles.
What Not to Do with Seasonal Vehicle Insurance
- Don’t Cancel Your Policy Without Talking to Your Insurer: A gap in insurance coverage can raise your future rates.
- Don’t Forget to Reinstate Full Coverage Before Driving: It’s illegal to drive without liability coverage, even for a quick trip.
- Don’t Underinsure Valuable Vehicles: Classic cars, exotics, and vintage rides deserve agreed-value coverage to protect their full worth.
- Don’t Assume Homeowners Insurance Covers Stored Vehicles: Home policies generally do not cover vehicles stored at home — you need car insurance.
When to Reactivate Full Coverage
Before you pull your seasonal car out of storage for its first sunny drive:
- Contact your insurer and reactivate liability, collision, and any other paused coverages.
- Check your registration and inspection requirements if applicable.
- Test drive safely to ensure tires, brakes, and systems are fully functional after the storage period.
Only drive after confirming that full insurance protection is active — not before.
Conclusion
Car insurance for seasonal vehicles doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can protect your investment during off-seasons while saving money.
Options like comprehensive-only policies, seasonal discounts, or lay-up insurance offer flexible ways to maintain protection without paying for full coverage year-round.
By properly preparing your car for storage and managing your insurance wisely, you’ll ensure your seasonal vehicle stays safe — ready to hit the road again whenever the time is right.